Revelation

Revelation

Revelation, a vision by John, is a book in two distinct parts. The first part, consisting of seven letters, concerns the progress and condition of believers. These letters are both practical and prophetic. When compared with the seven kingdom parables in Matthew, they lay out the course of the church from the crucifixion to the return of Messiah. The second part of Revelation in contrast describes the course of the world from the ascension to the end of the age. Both parts of the book are designed to be understood by believers and they are to provide a basis for action.

This study takes the perspective that the book is literal, linear and understandable. All of the symbols and metaphors in Revelation are defined elsewhere in Scripture so there is no particular difficulty understanding what they mean. Similarly, the sequencing of the events from chapter 4 on is obviously linear and consistent with prophecy in the rest of the Bible.

Revelation 6
The first six seals. Where are we in the sequence and what are the events that are yet to come?

Revelation 7
Revelation 7, background and introduction of the 144,000. Who are they and what is their mission?

Revelation 8,9
Revelation 8 and 9, the Golden Censer, a blessing from God. The first six trumpets.

Revelation 10
The Little Scroll and a discussion of the mystery of God which is to be fulfilled.

Revelation 11
The two witnesses in Jerusalem. Who might they be and what is their purpose? The Seventh Trumpet when the Messiah returns. Where have we seen that before?

Revelation 12 thru 14
Prophetic interlude between the Seven Trumpets and the Seven Bowls of Wrath. Begins with biblical background about the birth of Messiah and Satan's fall from heaven. Describes the Beasts and their powers. The meeting of the 144,000 with the Lamb. The messages of the Three Angels and the harvest of the Earth.

Revelation 14 and 15
The sharp sickle and the harvest of the earth. The commissioning of the seven angles who are to pour out the bowls of wrath.

Revelation 16 and 17
The Seven Bowls of Wrath. The bowls mirror the plagues brought on Egypt during the Exodus. The Whore of Babylon - who is she and what is her history?

Revelation 18
The nations of the Earth mourn over the destruction of Babylon. Who is Babylon and what does she represent?

Revelation 19
Great rejoicing over the fall of Babylon. Discussion of who and what Babylon is. The marriage of the Lamb. Discussion of who the bride is. The Rider on the White Horse and the Thousand Year Reign.

Revelation 20
The Thousand Year Reign, the final defeat of Satan and the Great White Throne Judgment.

Revelation 21 and 22
Discussion of the Lamb's Book of Life; how one gets written into it and who will not be so written. The final judgment, the New Heaven and New Earth and the fate of the nations.